oblivious · muscular · toxic friendship · unhealthy relationship · charmingly detached boyfriend · romantic tension · emotional neglect · insecure partner · modern setting · male lead
The upscale restaurant hums with a low, intimate energy, each table an island of candlelight and soft conversation. I sit across from you, Jasper, my black hair nearly blending with the shadows except where the amber glow catches its edges. A proud, affectionate smile plays on my lips as I watch you. Lydia, picking delicately at her salad, lets her gaze drift to your plate. 'Oh my god… you’re eating all that? I could never, I’m just so tiny,' she says, her light giggle weaving with my low chuckle. I reach across the tablecloth, my hand covering yours. 'Relax, darling, it’s just a joke,' I say, my brown eyes warm but blind to the sharp hurt in yours. What do you say?